Method and apparatus for installing a fencing structure to a fence pole

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for assisting a fence installer while erecting and installing a fence, which includes at least one fence pole, as well as a fencing structure to be hung and fastened to the poles. A fence installer utilizes a fence pole cap as a third hand, while hanging the fencing structure. The fence pole cap includes at least one sidewall and at least one inner surface adapted to circumscribe at least a portion of a fence pole. A cover is coupled to an upper portion of the at least one sidewall. The cantilever member extends from the sidewall, and includes a channel formed on an upper surface of the cantilever member. The fence pole cap is positioned on a top of a pole, and the channel of the cantilever member temporarily supports a structural member of the fencing structure while the fencing structure is fastened to the pole.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fence pole caps, more specifically, the present invention relates to a fence pole cap adapted for supporting a portion of a fencing structure during installation on a fence pole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Erecting fences, which include fencing structures attached to one or more fence poles, along property lines and other areas deemed desirable to divide or protect, can be difficult, time-consuming, labor intensive and expensive. In particular, fencing structures such as panels, chain-link fencing, wire mesh fencing, among other fencing structures can be bulky and/or heavy, and require two or more people to lift and fasten the fencing structure against the fence poles. In many instances, the fence installers fasten a corner or a section of the fencing to the pole in an impromptu or ad hoc manner, for example, by driving a nail through the fencing structure and into a wooden pole. Once the fence installers have erected (i.e., hung) the various sections of the fence, they often go back to adjust and level the fencing structures to a proper height with respect to a ground surface. As such, erecting and securing such fencing structures to fence poles/posts is time-consuming, laborious, and inefficient in terms of initially erecting the fence, and subsequently adjusting the fencing structures with respect to the poles. Therefore, there is a need in the art for apparatus that will assist a fence installer with manually fastening and aligning fencing structures to a pole in a consistent, non-laborious and inexpensive manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages heretofore associated with the prior art are overcome by the present invention of a method and apparatus for erecting and installing a fence. The apparatus includes a fence pole cap for assisting a fence installer to erect and install a fence, which includes at least one fence pole, as well as a fencing structure to be hung and fastened to the fence poles. The fence pole cap acts as a so-called “third hand” for a fence installer and in one embodiment, includes at least one sidewall having a lower portion and an upper portion, where the at least one sidewall has at least one inner surface adapted to circumscribe at least a portion of a top portion of a fence pole. A cover is coupled to the upper portion of the at least one sidewall, and in one embodiment, is sized to abut the top portion of the fence pole. At least one cantilever member extends from the at least one sidewall, where the at least one cantilever member includes a channel formed on an upper surface of the cantilever member.

The fence pole cap of the present invention enables one or more fence installers to easily erect a fence by supporting a structural member of the fencing fabric to be fastened to a fence pole. The fence pole cap is temporarily positioned on a top portion of a fence pole. The at least one cantilever member and associated channel enables the installer to slidably engage a structural member (e.g., chain-link or wire) of the fencing structure/fabric. Once the structural member of the fencing structure is seated in the channel, the cantilever member supports the fencing structure, thereby allowing the installer to fasten the hanging end of the fencing fabric to the pole. In other words, the fence pole cap of the present invention acts as an extra hand to assist during installation of the fence.

Once one or more structural members of the fencing structure have been fastened to the fence pole where the installer is working, the fence installer removes the fence pole cap from the fence pole, and may perform the same installation procedure at a second (e.g., adjacent) fence pole, and so on, until the entire fence has been erected. Therefore, the fence pole cap helps reduce the labor requirements, as well as providing improved efficiency in terms of speed and consistency while hanging the sections of fencing structures to the poles, as compared to previous fence installation techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a first lateral view of the pole cap of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a second lateral view of the pole cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the pole cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pole cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the pole cap of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of the pole cap of FIG. 1.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, the same reference numerals have been used when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the drawings shown and discussed in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a fence pole cap that advantageously assists in the installation process of hanging fencing structures to fence poles. In particular, the fence pole cap of the present invention includes at least one hooking member that is sized to receive and support a structural member of the fencing structure at a top portion of a fence pole or post while erecting the fence.

As illustratively discussed herein, the pole cap of the present invention is particularly advantageous for hanging fence structures such as wire mesh fences, chain-link fences, lattice structured fences, wire partition panels, or any other fencing structures or fabrics having structural members that may be held and secured by an extending “hook” portion formed on the pole cap. FIG. 1 is a first lateral view of the pole cap 100 of the present invention. The illustrative pole cap 100 comprises a shell 110 having at least one sidewall 112, a cover 160, and at least one cantilever member 130 having a channel 132 formed therein. In one embodiment, the fence pole cap 100 is formed as a substantially rectangular tube, as illustratively shown by the bottom view of FIG. 4 and front view of FIG. 6.

In the present embodiment, the at least one sidewall 112 comprises three sidewalls 112 ₁, 112 ₂, 112 ₃, where sidewalls 112 ₁ and 112 ₂ oppose each other and sidewall 112 ₃ forms a rear sidewall portion therebetween. Each sidewall 112 comprises an external surface 114 and an internal surface 116. For example, as illustratively shown in FIG. 4, the first sidewall 112 ₁ includes external surface 114 ₁ and internal surface 116 ₁, while second sidewall 112 ₂ comprises external surface 114 ₂ and internal surface 116 ₂, and third or rear side wall 112 ₃ includes external surface 114 ₃ and internal surface 116 ₃. In one embodiment, the external surfaces 114 and internal surfaces 116 are contiguous. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the sidewalls 112 may be separate and distinct sidewalls that are formed adjacent to each other.

Cover 160 is disposed over the three sidewalls 112 ₁, 112 ₂ and 112 ₃, such that the pole cap 100 of the present invention includes three sides forming a rectangular shape and having an end cap (i.e., cover on one end). In particular, the opposing sidewalls comprise a first end and a second end. The first ends are coupled to the rear sidewall 112 ₃, while the second ends define the front opening 102 that provide access to a channel 106 (FIG. 6). The channel 106 is formed by the interior surfaces 116 ₁ through 116 ₃ of the sidewalls 112, and circumscribe at least a portion of the top portion of a fence pole. As such, a bottom portion 104 and front portion 102 of the pole cap 100 do not have any associated sidewalls 112, and are therefore open as illustratively shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

Although the figures illustratively depict a substantially rectangular tubular shaped pole cap, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that such shape is not to be considered as being limiting. For example, the pole cap 100 can be substantially cubical, circular or any other shape suitable to conform to a top portion of a fence pole or fence post. More specifically, at least the interior surface 116 of the at least one sidewall 112 may be circular, elliptical, oval, polygonal, or any other shape suitable to conform with the shape of the top portion of the fence pole for which the pole cap is adapted to interface with. It is also noted that the cover 160 can alternatively be defined by an inwardly projecting flange, which provides partial coverage over the top portion of the fence pole.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the opposing sidewalls 112 ₁ and 112 ₂ are spaced a distance apart by the rear sidewall 112 ₃ to conform with the shape of the fence poles, such as a square fence pole. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6, the pole cap 100 may be placed over the fence pole through the bottom portion 104, front portion 102, or combination thereof of the pole cap 100. Accordingly, the at least one sidewall (e.g., sidewalls 112 ₁ and 112 ₂, and rear sidewall 112 ₃) circumscribe a portion of the fence pole (not shown).

It is noted that while only three illustrative sidewalls 112 ₁ through 112 ₃ are shown, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that a front sidewall can also be formed between the sidewalls 112 ₁ and 112 ₂ and opposing the rear sidewall 112 ₃. However, at least one side or a portion of the pole cap 100, such as the bottom portion of the illustrative rectangular shaped pole cap 100, remains unobstructed (i.e., open) to allow the pole cap 100 to be fitted over the top portion of the fence pole.

In one embodiment, the pole cap 100 includes base members 140 ₁ and 140 ₂ (collectively base members 140), which illustratively extend along the bottom portion of the sidewalls 112 ₁, and 112 ₂. Each base member 140 includes a base extension 142 (e.g., base extensions 142 ₁ and 142 ₂), which extends outwardly from the sidewalls 112 a distance beyond the open front portion 102 of the pole cap 100. In one embodiment, the base members 140 comprise a flange that extends the entire length of the sidewalls 112 ₁ and 112 ₂ adjacent the bottom portion 104 of the pole cap 100. Alternatively, the base members 140 may be formed integrally with the sidewalls 112.

The base member 140 provides additional structural support for securing the pole cap 100 to the upper portion of the fence pole. Further, an illustrative pair of apertures 150 ₁ and 150 ₂ (collectively apertures 150) is formed in a portion of the base extension 142 ₁ and 142 ₂, respectively. As such, the apertures 150 are positioned past the front portion 102 of the pole cap 100. The apertures 150 are sized to receive a fastener (not shown), such as a pin or a bolt, among other fasteners. In one embodiment, the base extensions 142, apertures 150, and fastener collectively form a fastening means for securing the pole cap 100 to the top portion of the fence pole.

In particular, for an embodiment where the front portion 102 of the shell 110 is open (i.e. without a sidewall) the base member 140 and fastening means (base extensions 142, apertures 150, and pin/bolt) assist in stabilizing the pole cap on the fence pole when the fencing structures (e.g., panels) are being fastened (i.e., hung) on the fence poles. One skilled in the art will appreciate that in an instance where the front portion 102 of the shell 110 includes a front sidewall, the base extensions 142 having the apertures 150 are not required. In this instance, the user will simply install the pole cap 100 onto a fence pole by sliding the pole cap 100 onto the top portion of the fence pole via the bottom portion 103.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, two support members 120 ₁ and 120 ₂ are respectively formed along each sidewall 112 ₁ and 112 ₂. In one embodiment, the support members 120 are formed at an upper portion of the sidewalls 112, proximate to the cover 160, although such configuration is not considered as being limiting. The support members 120 ₁ and 120 ₂ form a pair of cantilever members, where cantilever members 130 ₁ and 130 ₂ respectively extend a distance beyond the front portion 102 of the pole cap 100, as similarly described above with respect to the base extensions 142 ₁ and 142 ₂. The pair of cantilever members 130 can be of differing lengths, for example, as illustratively shown in FIG. 3, cantilever member 130 ₂ is shown as extending a distance greater than cantilever member 130 ₁. Alternatively, the pair of cantilever members 130 can be the same length.

In one embodiment, the support members 120 are integral with each sidewall 112. That is, the external surface 114 of each sidewall is integral with the external surface of each support member 120 as illustratively shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the support members 120 may be formed by support beams or flanges that are attached to the external surfaces 114 of the sidewalls 112, for example, by welding or utilizing fasteners to securely attach the support members 120 to the sidewalls 112 of the shell member 110.

In any of the embodiments, each support member 120 includes at least one channel 132 formed in the upper surface of the cantilever members 130. The at least one channel 132 is formed proximate the front portion 102 of the shell 110, illustratively along line 134, to provide clearance past the base extension 142, which also extend a distance beyond the front portion 102 of the shell 110. The channels 132 facilitate receiving and supporting a structural member of the fencing structure or fabric that is being hung on the fence pole. For example, the channels 132 can receive and support a chain-link of a chain link fence, a wire of a wire mesh fence, a wire fastener attached to a fencing panel, among other structural members of the fencing.

In one embodiment, the channels 132 extend the entire width along the upper surface of the cantilever members 130. The channels 132 are illustratively shown as being semi-circular in shape, however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the channels 132 may be formed in any shape suitable for receiving and supporting a structural member of the fencing fabric being hung on the poles.

The shell member 110 is preferably fabricated from a sturdy non-flexible material such as steel (e.g., galvanized steel, stainless steel, weathering steel), among other rigid materials. Accordingly, the material used to fabricate the cantilever members 130 enables the pole cap 100 to adequately and safely support the weight of the fencing fabric with minimal flexibility.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, two cantilever members 130 are illustratively provided to distribute the weight of the fence panel being hung across the top portion of the fence pole. Alternatively, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a single cantilever member having a channel formed therein may also be provided. For example, the pole cap 100 may include a single support member 120 along one of the sidewalls 112 of the shell 110, or a single contiguous cantilever member 130 may extend entirely across the front portion 102 proximate to the cover 160 of the shell 110.

During operation, one or more fence poles are installed and secured, for example, in the ground or along a surface area, such that the top of the fence poles are positioned at a desired height above the surface level. Once the fence poles are secured in their proper position, a fence installer places the pole cap 100 of the present invention over a first of the fence poles such that the front portion 102 of the pole cap 100 faces the direction in which the fencing panel is to be secured against a fence pole. In particular, the installer may slidably engage the pole cap 100 over the top of the fence pole either through the front portion 102, bottom portion 104, or combination thereof of the shell 110. The fence installer slides the pole cap 100 down along the top portion of the fence pole, until the internal surface of the cover 160 is seated on the top surface of the fence pole. Once the pole cap 100 is properly seated on the top surface of the pole cap, the installer can insert a pin or bolt or other fastener through the apertures 150 in the base extension 142 to secure the front portion 102 of the shell member 110 to the fence pole. Thus, the fastener extends through the apertures 150 substantially perpendicular to the fence pole and prevents the pole cap 100 from rocking or tilting when seated on the top of the fence pole.

To retain the fencing structure to the fence pole, a plurality of clamps or brackets can be provided along a length of the fence pole to secure the fencing structure thereto. For a detailed understanding of one particular type of bracket suitable for retaining the fencing structure to the fence poles at various positions along the pole, the reader is directed to commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Fence Bracket,” by Tamez, et al. (Attorney Docket No. AFS 206,951), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Once a particular section of fencing is fastened to the fence pole (e.g., using a clamp or other fastener), the fence installer can remove the illustrative pin/bolt from the apertures 150 and lift the pole cap 100 off the top portion of the fence pole. The fence installer can then proceed to a next section of fencing requiring hanging and fastening, and the process of erecting the fence is repeated in a similar manner discussed above.

Accordingly, the fence pole cap 100 of the present invention enables one or more fence installers to easily erect a fence by supporting a structural member of the fencing fabric to be fastened to a fence pole. The at least one cantilever member 130 and associated channel 132 enables the installer to slidably engage a structural member (e.g., chain-link or wire) of the fencing structure/fabric. Once the structural member of the fencing structure is seated in the channel 132, the cantilever member 130 supports the fencing structure, thereby allowing the installer to fasten the hanging end of the fencing fabric to the pole. In other words, the fence pole cap of the present invention acts as an extra hand to assist during installation of the fence. Therefore, the fence pole cap helps reduce the labor requirements, as well as provides improved efficiency in terms of speed and consistency while hanging the sections of fencing structures to the poles, as compared to previous fence installation techniques.

Although various embodiments that incorporate the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. 

1. A fence pole cap to assist in hanging a fencing structure on a fence pole, comprising: at least one sidewall having an upper portion and at least one inner surface adapted to circumscribe a portion of the fence pole; a cover coupled to said upper portion of said at least one sidewall, said inner surface defining a first channel for engaging the top of the fence pole, wherein said first channel is sized to permit installation and removal of said fence pole cap from the top of said fence pole; and at least one cantilever member extending from said at least one sidewall, said at least one cantilever member having a second channel formed on its upper surface.
 2. The fence pole cap of claim 1, further comprising at least one base support extending from the external surface of said at least one sidewall.
 3. The fence pole cap of claim 2, wherein each of said at least one base support comprises a base extension extending outwardly from said at least one sidewall.
 4. The fence pole cap of claim 3, wherein each said base extension comprises an aperture.
 5. The fence pole cap of claim 1, wherein said removal of said fence pole cap includes slidable disengagement of the inner walls defining the first channel from the top of the fence pole after said fencing structure is secured to the fence pole.
 6. The fence pole cap of claim 3, wherein each said second channel is positioned a distance from said at least one sidewall greater than a length of said at least one base extension.
 7. The fence pole cap of claim 1, wherein said second channel is semi-circular in shape.
 8. The fence pole cap of claim 1, wherein said at least one sidewall comprises two opposing sidewalls each having a first end.
 9. The fence pole cap of claim 8, wherein each said opposing sidewall further comprises a second end, wherein said second ends define a first opening to the first channel formed by said at least one inner surface.
 10. The fence pole cap of claim 8, wherein said cover is coupled along an upper perimeter of said opposing sidewalls.
 11. The fence pole cap of claim 9, wherein said at least one cantilever member comprises a pair of cantilever members formed proximate said upper portion of said opposing sidewalls.
 12. The fence pole cap of claim 11, wherein each of said pair of cantilever members is respectively formed proximate each second end of said opposing sidewalls.
 13. The fence pole cap of claim 4, wherein said at least one base support comprises a pair of base supports, each base member respectively being formed proximate a lower portion of each said opposing sidewalls.
 14. The fence pole cap of claim 13, wherein said pair of base supports is formed proximate said second end of said opposing sidewalls.
 15. The fence pole cap of claim 14, wherein said apertures are adapted to receive a common fastener therethrough.
 16. The fence pole cap of claim 1, wherein said at least one inner surface of said at least one sidewall is shaped to accommodate the top of the fence pole. 17-20. (canceled)
 21. The fence pole cap of claim 8, further comprising a rear sidewall formed substantially perpendicularly between said first ends.
 22. The fence pole cap of claim 8, wherein said opposing sidewalls define a second opening that opposes the interior surface of said rear wall.
 23. The fence pole cap of claim 22, wherein said second opening is sized to permit installation and removal of said fence pole cap with the top portion of said fence pole via said first channel.
 24. The fence pole cap of claim 8, wherein said at least one cantilever member includes a cantilever member extending from each of said opposing sidewalls.
 25. A fence pole cap tool for hanging a fencing structure on a fence pole, comprising: at least one sidewall having an upper portion, opposing ends, and at least one inner surface adapted to circumscribe a portion of the fence pole; a cover coupled to said upper portion of said at least one sidewall, said inner surface defining a first channel, wherein said opposing ends and first channel are sized to permit installation with a top portion of the fence pole and removal of said fence pole cap tool from said fence pole; a cantilever member extending from each of said opposing ends and proximate the upper portion of said at least one sidewall, each cantilever member including a second channel formed on an upper surface of said cantilever member and sized to receive said fencing structure; and a base support member extending from each of said opposing ends and proximate a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, each base support member including an aperture sized to receive a fastener for temporarily securing said fence pole cap tool to the top portion of said fence pole. 